So far, we've mainly been sharing with you the "serious" and formal side of church planting- the planning, brainstorming, the Prospectus, etc. Well, there is this whole other side of church planting that we have been simultaneously engaging in and yet not sharing with you... apologies!
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS!
One thing David and I are hearing over and over again is, "get out there and meet people." Well, for those of you who don't know, David and I have been living in a very small town for the past three years with a limited number of people our age or people we have anything in common with. God blessed us with a few couples and individuals who we were able to enjoy friendships with (and continue to enjoy friendships with) but most of them were either older than us with children or younger than us- high school and college. Moving to Columbia and getting involved with Crossroads has been alittle bit overwhelming to say the least because of the sheer number of couples and individuals our age who are in the same phase of life as us and enjoy doing alot of the things we enjoy doing. We had to pull our social skills back out and stop being hermits really quickly! It has been an incredible answer to prayer and we have met some amazing people.
Our mentor, John Reeves, talked with us a few weeks ago about setting goals to meet a certain number of new people each week. The purpose being to start new friendships, but to also potentially find people who share passions, desires, and skills that match and complement ours and who would be interested in helping us start this church. For anyone who knows David, you know that this charge is no problem for him. I think his goal for last week was to meet 10 people (I don't just mean introduce yourself, but actually have a genuine conversation and get to know a person). I'm pretty sure he hit this number and then some. For me, this kind of a task is alittle bit more difficult. I'm just not as outgoing and friendly as he is and it takes much more of an effort on my part. But, I am doing it and I am so thankful for the results!
Just last week, David met with people in a cigar store (yes, he is in heaven with a cigar store down the road and the excuse that he has to go there to meet people) and he went to a new men's small group. Friday night, I organized for some couples to come over for a chili and pumpkin carving party (pumpkin carving is an annual Pace tradition). Sunday we met with a group of people who are affiliated with a local church called Radius for a work day in a run down apartment complex. We were there from about 10-3 doing things like planting flowers, patching holes in walls, fixing windows, and making a big lunch/feast. It was really cool to be a part of this. It is something they do twice a month instead of attending a church service. It was obvious that they have already made a huge difference in the community. We also met a modern day Mother Teresa. She introduced herself as the oldest living virgin- ha! She is a feisty, single lady who has invested years into the community and eventually developed a non-profit after school program for the children there. She also has a story identical to the family portrayed in the movie the Blind Side. Sunday night we attended a small group that is affiliated with Crossroads and afterwards I headed out to a late night dinner with another couple while David went to meet with several guys who are definitely expressing interest in doing some of the same things we are interested in doing. Who knows where God will take it, but he is definitely bringing some BIG coincidences into our path lately.
We have been overwhelmed, humbled and just overjoyed by the people we have been meeting and the different opportunities/connections that have come our way. So, I just wanted to share this really fun and exciting side of our life with you since we have been sharing the more daunting, a serious part with you lately.
Here are some pictures from our Chili and Pumpkin Carving Party. I didn't get pics of everyone that was there : ( I'll do better next time.
-Lindsey
unimpressive looking
much more impressive : ) Tiger, a gargoyle thing, ET, and Lightning McQueen
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